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August 25, 2014 – Volume 13 Issue 34
 Hendricks to Speak at First Annual Cincinnati Business Aviation Symposium
NATA President and CEO Thomas L. Hendricks will speak to attendees at the first annual 2014 Cincinnati Business Aviation Symposium (CBAS2014) in Cincinnati, OH on Friday, September 5, 2014. Hosted by Reynolds Jet, CBAS2014 will bring together leading business aviation companies and flight departments from the tri-state area to discuss current topics that affect aviation businesses in the area and provide networking opportunities to build stronger local aviation businesses. Click here for more information, an agenda of events and to register for CBAS2014.
FAA Interpretation Rules Plane Sharing Services Are Commercial
Several websites offering to connect passengers with private pilots offering seats on their aircraft in return for sharing flight expenses are in violation of FAA regulations according to a recent legal interpretation issued by the agency. The websites were operating under the premise that they qualified under an exception that permits a pilot to share operating expenses with passengers. The FAA ruled that these operations are holding out to transport persons or property for compensation or hire. As such, they do not qualify for the exception and therefore require the operator to hold a commercial air carrier certificate. Click here to review the FAA legal interpretation.
FAA Rule Gives Medical Helicopters Departure Flexibility
Last year, the FAA published a final rule enacting numerous new regulations for helicopter air ambulance flights. Those rules are set to enter into force in April 2015. In a direct to final rule, the FAA is granting pilots of those helicopter air ambulances authority to depart from locations where weather reporting is not available. Pilots must assess the current weather and determine certain minimums exist. If so, a departure can occur enabling flights to enter the airspace under IFR. The rule is intended to improve safety by increasing the number of flights under positive control. Unless an adverse comment to this rule is filed, it will take effect with the other new helicopter air ambulance rules on April 22, 2015. Click here to review the direct to final rule.
FAA Issued Two Advisory Circulars (ACs) for Comment
AC 65-30B, Overview of the Aviation Maintenance Profession, provides information to prospective Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanics and other persons interested in the certification of mechanics. It contains information about the certificate requirements, application procedures, and the mechanic written, oral, and practical tests. The AC also discusses the employment outlook for the technician, job conditions and where the jobs are for the field. Comments on this AC are due to FAA by 9/10/14.
AC 120 66C, Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP), provides guidance for establishing an air transportation Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP). The AC also encourages employees of certificate holders or other operators to voluntarily report safety information that may be critical to identifying potential precursors to accidents. Comments on this AC are due to the FAA by 10/22/14.
Montana Governor Proclaims August 2014 General Aviation Appreciation Month
NATA recently joined other national aviation associations in commending Montana Governor Steve Bullock for proclaiming August 2014 “General Aviation Appreciation Month.” General aviation in Montana accounts for more than $117 million in economic activity and connects major airports to rural communities. Across the state, there are 121 public-use airports that are used by more than 2,500 aircraft and 4,000 pilots. “General aviation plays a critical role in Montana’s economy and well-being,” Governor Bullock states. Click here to view the proclamation.
Aviation Management Workshop – Held in Conjunction with NATA’s Fall Committee Meetings in Savannah
The NATA 2014 Fall Committee Meetings start on Monday, September 15, 2014, with meetings and a networking reception and conclude on Tuesday, September 16, 2014 following a half-day of meetings at the Hilton Savannah DeSoto Hotel in Savannah, GA. Registration is available online. Please confirm your attendance for the meetings before Tuesday, August 26, 2014. The Aviation Management Workshop, September 16-17, 2014 also in Savannah, will cover management and decision-making principles, best practice approaches, innovative strategies, and creative techniques from industry experts who have decades of experience leading and managing people and making business decisions. Take action to become a better leader, manager and decision maker. Click to hear what last year’s attendees have to say about the Aviation Management Workshop. Register today!
Controlling Your Workers’ Compensation Claims Costs
Understanding the claims process of Workers’ Compensation Insurance (WCI) helps minimize risk and ultimately helps control your claims costs. Join us for a FREE webinar on September 9, 2014 at 2:00 EDT to learn more about:
• Understanding the WCI System
• Knowing National Trends of WCI
• Designing Safety and Health Programs
• Developing Claims Processes
• Planning Return to Work Strategies
Learn a lot about cost saving measures for Workers’ Compensation Insurance claims in a short amount of time. Register today!
Priester Aviation Earns ACSF and Wyvern Certifications
Priester Aviation has been awarded both Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF) and Wyvern Wingman certification. The ACSF certification uses accredited, independent auditors to evaluate aircraft management and jet charter companies’ compliance and safety protocols. Priester Aviation, based at Chicago Executive Airport (KPWK), also carries an Argus Platinum rating, as well as IS-BAO certification.
Signature Flight Support Expands Caribbean Footprint
Signature Flight Support added three new FBOs to its network on Friday with acquisition of the FBO 2000 chain and its three Caribbean locations. The purchase includes facilities at V.C. Bird Antigua International Airport, R. Bradshaw International Airport in St. Kitts and Vance W. Amory International Airport in Nevis. Read more.
Avfuel Network Continues Expansion
Avfuel expanded its branded FBO network with the addition of Apex Aviation at Vernal (Utah) Regional Airport and Wells Aircraft at Hutchinson (Kansas) Municipal Airport. Click here to read further.
Participate in NATA Flag Pins for Veterans Project – NATA Welcomes Harbour Air Services and Hill Aircraft to the Project
NATA is working with industry to raise charitable donations for organizations supporting America's veterans. NATA members are asked to participate by securing and displaying American-made flag pins in their operations with signage suggesting a donation of at least $1.00 per pin. The funds for this project will be collected periodically through NATA. The project will run through October 2014 culminating in a check presentation to the veterans organizations. To participate, please contact Shannon Chambers at schambers@nata.aero. Click here for project details. Direct donations to this project are also accepted. Please make the check out to NATA-Flag Pin Project and send it to NATA's headquarters:
NATA-Flag Pin Project
4226 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22302
The check must be made out to NATA-Flag Pin Project and received no later than October 31, 2014 so that we may have a proper accounting for the overall 2014 program. Please also send money collected from pin donations to the same account. Click here for a full list of member participants.
ACSF News
ACSF President Bryan Burns is the keynote speaker for the Southern and Northern California’s Schedulers and Dispatchers Group (SONO) event scheduled for September 4, 2014 in Camarillo, CA. Visit http://www.sonosd.com/ for more event details. Save the date for next year’s Air Charter Safety Foundation Safety Symposium. The symposium is scheduled for March 10-11, 2015. Visit http://www.acsf.aero/ for Air Charter Safety Foundation News.
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